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Confusion over financial backing for nuclear project

Hitachi wants to build a new nuclear power station at Wylfa, Anglesey, which would replace the one that closed down in 2015, aboveCHRISTOPHER FURLONG/GETTY IMAGES

Britain’s plans to offer financial support for a new nuclear plant on Anglesey were mired in confusion yesterday amid conflicting reports of a key meeting between the prime minister and Hitachi, the developer.

Hiroaki Nakanishi, chairman of the Japanese conglomerate, met Theresa May last week as it seeks direct government funding of the Horizon venture to build a 2.9GW power station at Wylfa.

The company has threatened to abandon the project by the middle of this year unless it is confident of a deal.

Mainichi, the Japanese newspaper, reported that Mrs May told Hitachi to “go ahead” with the project and said the government would offer loan guarantees, but a government spokeswoman said: “We don’t recognise these reports.”